Content
It is more advisable to use the Ammofoska fertilizer on clayey, sandy and peat-bog soils that are deficient in nitrogenous substances. This type of fertilizing is used both to increase the yield of fruits, berries and vegetables, and to stimulate the growth of flowers and ornamental shrubs.
What is "Ammofoska"
“Ammofoska” is a complex mineral fertilizer that quickly dissolves in water and does not contain nitrates. The absence of aggressive chlorine and sodium in the composition is a big plus, which is often a decisive factor when choosing this type of fertilizer.
The main purpose of Ammofoska is to eliminate micronutrient deficiencies. The use of this fertilizer for preventive purposes is also justified.
Composition of Ammofoska fertilizer
The high efficiency and economic profitability of using fertilizing is due to the chemical composition and the minimum number of ballast elements.
Ammofosk contains:
- Nitrogen (12%). A necessary element that stimulates the growth and development of plants, increasing the productivity of fruit and vegetable crops.
- Phosphorus (15%). Biogenic component of nutrition, responsible for the synthesis of ATP. The latter, in turn, enhances the activity of enzymes necessary for development and biochemical processes.
- Potassium (15%). The most important element responsible for both increasing productivity and improving the quality characteristics of fruits. Additionally increases the immunity of crops.
- Sulfur (14%). This component enhances the effects of nitrogen without acidifying the soil and is almost completely absorbed by plants.
The fertilizer can be used in arid areas where plants require much more nitrogen
All elements work perfectly together, having the most positive effect on both young seedlings and adult crops.
When to use Ammofoska
This type of complex fertilizer is used almost year-round. The beginning of the period of use is the last ten days of March. The fertilizer is scattered directly “in the snow” under a bush or crop, as it does not lose effectiveness even in the conditions of the first frost. In autumn, Ammofoska fertilizer is used in the garden in mid-October. It is applied under fruit trees and ornamental shrubs.
What is the difference between Ammophos and Ammophoska
“Ammofoska” is often confused with “Ammophos” - a 2-component fertilizer that does not contain potassium sulfate. This type of fertilizing is used on soil well supplied with potassium. Under the influence of ammonia, phosphorus quickly transforms into an easily digestible form, due to which it can compete with superphosphate.
Ammophos contains no potassium
How does Ammofoska act on plants?
“Ammofoska” is a complex fertilizer that primarily affects the growth and quality of the crop. Additionally, it has the following effect:
- helps form a strong root system;
- stimulates the development of shoots and the growth of young shoots;
- increases frost resistance and drought resistance;
- improves the taste of the crop;
- accelerates ripening time.
Nitrogen stimulates an increase in green mass and rapid growth of shoots, potassium is responsible for strengthening the immune system and the presentation of vegetables and fruits. Phosphorus increases the rate of formation of ovaries and fruits, as well as the tasting qualities of the latter.
With the help of "Ammofoska" you can increase productivity by 20-40%
Advantages and disadvantages
The choice of this type of fertilizing is due to the significant advantages of using fertilizer:
- "Ammofoska" is not toxic. It does not contain chlorine, reduces the level of nitrates in fruits, and does not have a negative effect on the root system of plants.
- Fertilizer is all-season, it can be applied both in early spring and late autumn and, of course, in summer.
- Mineral fat is used as the main fertilizer and additional feeding.
- Simple and convenient use. Dosage calculation is simple.
- The composition of complex fat is balanced.
One of the main advantages of Ammofoska is its budget cost.
Also worth noting:
- ease of transportation;
- economical consumption;
- no need for preliminary soil preparation;
- Possibility of use on any type of soil.
Gardeners say that the main disadvantage of fertilizer is the stimulation of weed growth when applying Ammofoska in the spring, changes in soil acidity (if the dosage is incorrect), and the need to use protective agents (fertilizing belongs to hazard class IV).
When an opened package is stored openly, the complex loses nitrogen and part of the sulfur.
When and how to use Ammofoska fertilizer
Calculating the consumption rate is very important. It affects not only the growth activity and yield of crops, but also the quality properties of the soil.
Calculation of dosage and consumption rates of Ammophoska
The scope of application of this type of fat is very wide. “Ammofoska” is used both in the pre-sowing period and in the fall before preparing for wintering.
Fertilizer application rates are as follows:
- vegetable crops (except root crops) – 25-30 mg/m²;
- berry plants – 15-30 mg/m²;
- lawn, flowers, ornamental shrubs – 15-25 mg/m²;
- root vegetables – 20-30 mg/m².
The application rate of Ammofoska for fruit trees directly depends on age. For such crops older than 10 years, apply 100 g of the substance; for young trees (less than 5 years old) - no more than 50 g/m².
Incorrect dosage can lead to soil acidification
In some cases, gardeners use Ammofoska in the production of vegetable compost, resulting in a mineral-organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen compounds. This fertilizer is used to resuscitate weak and diseased crops, as well as to enrich depleted soil.
Terms of use of Ammofoska in spring, summer, autumn
"Ammofoska" is one of the earliest fertilizers. Many gardeners apply it in early March, simply scattering granules over the remaining snow. If desired, the procedure can be repeated in April, when the soils are still moist after the snow melts and do not require additional watering to dissolve the substance.
"Ammofoska" is often used on depleted soils and for resuscitation of sick and dying plants
“Ammophoska”, dissolved in water, can be used throughout the summer, fertilizing and feeding both berry and fruit and vegetable crops. In the fall, this fertilizer is applied to increase the immunity and winter hardiness of crops, pouring dry granules under mulch, or using it as part of moisture-charging irrigation in October.
Instructions for use of Ammophoska
The use of Ammofoska fertilizer in the garden is due to its high efficiency. However, there are a number of features that need to be taken into account.
For vegetable crops
For greenhouse crops (peppers, tomatoes), application rates can be increased, since in greenhouses there is a shortage of sunlight and, as a result, lower plant immunity. Fungal infections are the most common type of diseases in greenhouse plants. The mineral complex stimulates the protective functions of the crop, allowing you to avoid the worst scenario.
For peppers and tomatoes, Ammofoska is often combined with organic matter.
The use of Ammofoska fertilizer for potatoes is necessary primarily due to the high nitrogen content, which affects the growth of root crops. The substance is poured directly into the holes (20 g per 1 hole), without wasting time on additional plowing or composting.
For fruit and berry crops
Berry crops respond especially well to Ammofoska. Fertilizing is carried out both in spring and autumn. In the latter case, due to the almost instantaneous dissolution of nitrogen, the crops do not grow before winter.
For strawberries, fertilizer is mixed with ammonium nitrate in a ratio of 2 to 1. In the spring, when completely dissolved, nitrogen compounds stimulate growth, and potassium stimulates earlier ripening. Thanks to this, the harvest can be harvested 2 weeks earlier.
Thanks to fertilizer, strawberries ripen earlier than expected
The grapes are fertilized 14-15 days before flowering (50 g of dry matter per 10 l), 3 weeks after and in preparation for winter. It is not advisable to apply Ammofoska before the crop ripens, as this will lead to crushing of the berries.
Fruit trees are fertilized in the fall by pouring the solution into the tree trunk area. After this, additional moisture-charging irrigation is carried out (up to 200 l), which promotes complete dissolution of the active substances. They do this in order to help the tree survive the winter as easily as possible, especially if severe frosts are expected.
In the spring, “Ammofoska” is applied under the pear, placing the fertilizer in pits 30 cm deep. Sulfur helps the crop absorb nitrogen, which, in turn, stimulates the growth of the root system and green mass. Phosphorus is responsible for the juiciness, size and taste of fruits.
For lawns
Lawn fertilizer is applied in 2 ways:
- Before planting, dry granules are dug in to a depth of 5-6 cm.
- After waiting for the first shoots, spray with an aqueous solution.
In the second case, the appearance of the lawn is significantly improved.
Spraying with Ammophoska increases the brightness of the color and density of lawn grass
For flowers
Flowers are most often fertilized in the spring.Nitrogen is especially important for crops of this species, so “Ammofoska” for roses is not sprayed on the soil surface, but applied into the soil to a depth of 2-5 cm.
Another method is to sprinkle fertilizer under mulch, which “locks” nitrogen and maintains the required level of soil moisture. When applied correctly, fertilizer can affect the splendor and duration of flowering.
For ornamental shrubs
In spring, ornamental shrubs are fertilized with complex fertilizer immediately after the snow melts. To do this, dig a small ditch around the crop, where dry granules (50-70 g) are placed, after which everything is covered with soil.
Security measures
“Ammofoska” is classified as a substance of class IV hazard, which requires caution when using it. The main condition is the use of protective equipment (goggles and gloves).
Applying hazard class IV fertilizer requires wearing gloves.
Storage rules
Open packaging of this type of fertilizer cannot be stored for a long time due to the “volatility” of one of the main components – nitrogen. As a last resort, the remaining fertilizer can be poured into a dark glass jar with a tightly screwed lid. The fertilizer must be stored away from sunlight.
Conclusion
Ammofoska fertilizer can be used at any time of the year on all types of soil. This universal fertilizer is suitable for most crops and has a complex effect on the plant, affecting not only the growth of vegetative mass, but also the taste and timing of the harvest.
Reviews of fertilizer Ammofosk
Almost all reviews about Ammofosk are positive.
